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10 Best Z690 Motherboards (ASUS, AsRock, MSI, Gigabyte)

The Z690 motherboard is Intel’s return to the market of innovation. Also, this amazing Intel chipset supports both Intel 12th LGA 1700 generation Core i7-12700K and 12700KF, Intel Core i5-12600K and 12900KF, Core i9-12900K and core i9-12900KF processors. The Z690 was released by Intel as part of the 100-series chipsets for desktop computers. 

This new chipset introduced support for DDR5 memory with speeds up to 2400 MHz and PCI-e 5.0. It also has improved overclocking capabilities compared to previous models like Z590.  The Z690 motherboard is one of several motherboards you can choose from when upgrading your computer or building a new system from scratch. 

To help you make an informed decision on which board is best suited for your needs, we have put together this guide covering all aspects of the Z690 motherboard: what it does, its key features, who should buy it, etc. The Z590 and the Z690 are two of Intel’s best motherboards. 

While they may look similar, there are slight differences between them that set them apart. The major difference is in how much memory they can support.  The Z590 only supports DDR4-3200 RAM, while the Z690 supports DDR5 4000 MHz of RAM, which makes it better for gamers or those who have large programs that need more space than average applications do. 

A motherboard is the most crucial part of a PC, and it’s what connects all the other parts together. This buying guide will discuss some of the best Z690 motherboards on the market today, including their features and specifications. Happy Reading!

  1. ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula ATX Water Cooling Motherboard
  2. GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite AX ATX Gaming Motherboard
  3. Biostar Z690GTA Racing DDR5 Gaming Motherboard
  4. ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming WiFi Thunderbolt 4 Gaming Motherboard
  5. MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi Gaming Motherboard
  6. MSI PRO Z690-A ProSeries DDR4 Motherboard
  7. ASUS Prime Z690M-PLUS D4 Thunderbolt 4 mATX Motherboard
  8. GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X DDR4 Gaming Motherboard
  9. ASUS Prime Z690-A Thunderbolt 4 RGB Motherboard
  10. ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Intel 12th Gen ATX Gaming Motherboard

1. ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula ATX Water Cooling Motherboard

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula motherboard

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula is the newest motherboard with Intel LGA 1700 socket. It has unique features, like intelligent control and a robust power solution, for your gaming needs. In addition, it’s water-cooling ready, which provides great options for longevity in managing the cooling of your PC components. 

With all these awesome features, it’s hard to go wrong! The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula ATX Water cooling allows you to make the most of your workstation with many onboard features.  With Intel’s latest LGA 1700 ready for the new generation of CPUs, this board is not only powerful but future-proofed too. ASUS’ intelligent software will keep your system safe while also improving performance and coverage along the way. 

The robust power solution delivers nearly double what an 8+2 motherboard can offer with 24 power phases. These are rated 105 A each, dual heavyweight ProCool II connectors, high conductivity thermal pad for improved heat dissipation, and premium metallic capacitors to avoid short circuits. 

With Wi-F 6E, Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, and ASUS LANGuard on board, you can say goodbye to your monthly ISP fee! With up to 5x M.2 drives and one PCIe, five cards with Gen 5 support for blazing fast speeds, this unit is ready to take on any game or media streaming! 

The SupremeFX ALC4080 codec provides the highest quality sound possible without needing headphones. At the same time, the onboard lighting includes the integration of Aura Sync RGB for any compatible parts in your system.

2. GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite AX ATX Gaming Motherboard

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite AX

Built for gamers and professionals, Gigabyte’s Z690 AORUS Elite AX is a powerhouse that sets the standard. It comes with Intel LGA 1700 socket and supports up to 12th Gen Intel Core CPUs. 

This board features dual-channel Non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 memory and has a 16+1+2 digital VRM design with a 70A power stage with tantalum polymer capacitors. In addition, it has a fully covered thermal design which ensures stability even in overclocking mode. 

Get Gigabyte Z690 today from your reliable supplier! GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS is the perfect choice for gamers who want to get everything done on their desktop or anyone who’s looking to take advantage of the 12th Gen Intel Core Processor with support for up to 10 cores. 

This Gigabyte motherboard comes equipped with a cutting-edge thermal design and powerful capabilities that will leave you impressed. GIGABYTE has one of the most iconic motherboards on the market today, and their newest motherboard is no slouch either. 

Its fully Covered Thermal Design keeps your components at a comfortable temperature under load! With this motherboard, you get access to PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slots, so 4k videos transfer faster than ever before possible on 800 GB NVME SSDs! 

In addition, this motherboard offers high-quality audio components for maximum clarity and impressive fine-tuning features such as RGB FUSION 2.0 customization so you can customize your desktop to suit your style – all without breaking the bank.

3. Biostar Z690GTA Racing DDR5 Gaming Motherboard

Biostar Z690GTA Racing DDR5

The Biostar Z690GTA Racing is the ultimate weapon for the battle of cutting-edge performance. With new features like 4-DIMM DDR4 Memory, this processor will bring you beyond limits.  Bearing the mark signifying its proud generation, this product will offer you higher system bandwidth and unparalleled multitasking experience with unbelievably fast data transfer speeds up to 128 GB in select markets. 

Over 2000 hours of tests by the world’s leading 20 global laboratories ensure that all BIOSTAR products are quality guaranteed, and their superior reliability ensures long-term stability and excellent user experiences. The Biostar Z690GTA 12th Gen Intel LGA1700 is the perfect power-user platform for gamers and overclockers.

Not only can you use it to play today’s hottest games or work with your favorite software applications, but if you’re into overclocking and tweaking parts of the system, you’ll be able to push things as far as they’ll go. You can even attach a Wi-Fi card from our store if this board doesn’t have what you need in stock! So whether this motherboard will fit your needs now or in the future, stop by now!     

The Biostar Z690GTA is a 12th generation Intel LGA 1700 chipset that fully supports the latest Intel processors and PCIe 5.0, which speeds up data transfer rates from 16 GT/s to 32 GT/s.  The motherboard also has an all-metal heat sink with independent air diffusers for optimal cooling performance. Choose this board for your ultimate gaming PC with the best of the most versatile boards ever.

4. ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming WiFi Thunderbolt 4 Gaming Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Motherboard

Feeling a little overheated due to the task at hand? Did you know that ASUS Rog Strix Z690-F is designed for multi-core processors with 16+1 power stages? Get ready for superior performance, AI networking, and optimization! 

This motherboard will allow for wireless connectivity through WiFi 6E, which speeds up to 2.4 Gbps with fast ramp-ups in less than 20 seconds. Want more great features added to this steel beauty of a motherboard? 

Check out its powerful VRM heatsink or hybrid fan headers, and there will be no more overheating! It’s sure to be your new favorite enthusiast gaming board! ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F ATX Gaming Motherboard for the hardcore battle station gamers. 

Intel’s latest generation of processors is built-in so that you can take your game to the next level with turbo speeds up to 5.0 GHz. With 16+1 power stages, robust power solution, optimized thermal design, and high-performance network all intact, this ASUS motherboard will support every aspect of gameplay while never skipping a beat! 

The Strix Z690-F keeps your rig looking great with a new ID design, illuminated acrylic display, and Aura Sync lighting. With Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics cards for games like Destiny 2 or PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, get creative on the fly.this gaming board is also compatible with RTX 3090 Ti ,i9-12900K , i5-12600K, and i5-12600KF.

Then show off your PC engineering skills over  Pair-a-Saur to battle it out in Toontown Rewritten or join nearby players in Divinity: Original Sin II. And always stay connected by exploiting the latest 802.11ac WiFi and AMD Ryzen 5 2400G that come standard on this Pro Gaming System – plus Front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2 Type-C connectors for blazing-fast file transfers and rapid charging!

5. MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi Gaming Motherboard

MSI MPG Z690 Carbon motherboard

The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi Gaming Motherboard comes with a 12th Gen Intel Core LGA 1700 chipset, along with the DDR5 Memory. This board offers Dual DIMM to give you a total of up to 5600 MHz memory frequency. 

The heavy-duty design includes an aluminum cover for protection and heat pipes to ensure extreme overclocking. M.2 Shield Frozr makes sure your M.2 SSDs are always protected. While also boosting performance by delivering maximum benefits even in high temperatures or condensation issues. 

That could lead to throttling on other motherboards due to limitations by metal surfaces without dedicated thermal pads. MSI understands that each one of you has different needs when it comes to upgrading your system, whether it is for budget or performance; MSI provides both. 

The MSI MPG Z690 is designed with features like DDR5 Memory and M.2 Shield Frozr and MOSFET Baseplate to make sure there’s not a job out there we can’t do for you! this board is also recommended multiple boards like DDR5 Motherboard, i7-12700KF, and i5-12600K Motherboard.

Connectivity-wise we combine simplicity and power by providing four PCIe x16 slots plus two PCIe x4 slots. The possibilities are endless with this board as it also comes equipped with two SATA Express lanes and 10x USB 3.1 ports! 

The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon motherboard is here, built with the gamer in mind. Harnessing all of your gaming ambitions, this motherboard utilizes the latest intel chipset for that competitive edge. The front LED provides convenience by notifying you at a glance of incoming messages or data without needing to pause the game.

6. MSI PRO Z690-A ProSeries DDR4 Motherboard

MSI PRO Z690-A ProSeries motherboard

As the high-end enthusiast platform, MSI PRO Z690-A is built to satisfy the needs of overclockers and professionals. With multiple DIMMs available for users, you can enjoy overclocking at its max with its 12th Gen Intel Core processor for LGA 1700 socket, which supports up to 4600(OC) MHz – 1800(OC) MHz more than the old chipset. 

Additionally, the most recent network solution upgrade supported by 2.5 G LAN Solution maximized performance for professional use! With the Lightning function running PCI-e Gen 4 x 4, it is capable of transferring data 550+ MB per second.  So your storage-related activities will be much smoother than ever.

Furthermore, if you are looking into an aesthetically pleasing device, this motherboard has all the ambiance of a dark theme.  Using MSI PRO Z690-A ProSeries with cutting-edge features, you can enjoy stunning performance and peaceful operation day after day without compromising on quality, reliability, or peace of mind. 

So you know exactly where they stand when putting together their next gaming rig. It supports M.2 Shield Frozr built for high-performance systems and nonstop work! 

Valuable Validity for Professional Gamers: Discover a whole new level of mobility with the read/write speeds delivered by Lightning M2 that maximizes PCIe SSD’s performance making it perfect for gamers on tour. 

The latest 2.5G LAN Solution is upgraded based on reviewing feedback from professionals in multiple fields such as content creators, graphic designers, engineers, or finance experts who desire a fast network.

7. ASUS Prime Z690M-PLUS D4 Thunderbolt 4 mATX Motherboard

ASUS Prime Z690M-PLUS D4

ASUS Prime Z690M-PLUS mATX is a preeminent motherboard from ASUS’ ROG series, providing the best performance for gamers and power users. With its 12th generation processors capacity of 8 cores or more that uses 4 MB last-level caches to deliver increased performance, along with every task incurring a price in terms of extra thermal headroom—and cooling needs. 

The ASUS Prime Z690M-PLUS has a 10+1 DrMOS, 4-pin+8-pin ProCool connector, alloy chokes, and durable capacitors for stable performance. The Prime Z690M-PLUS D4 is the right choice if you need something to hold up against demanding workloads, improving system performance with power efficiency. 

It’s ready for 12th gen processors and will have everything that any professional needs to get their work done, all while running cool. The Asus OptiMem II ensures top-quality signal integrity to improve overclocking potential of your memory modules. this board is also supported by i7-12700KF.

At the same time, product cooling focuses on reducing temperatures to ensure stability in even the most stressful situations. This motherboard has optimal connectivity options for reaching users who are always on the go, including full PCI-e battery support. 

This product is the ideal solution for enthusiasts looking to build a new system. It has all of the connection cables that are needed, in addition to some extras like USB 3.2 G1 Type-A ports and powered RJ45. This motherboard makes for an attractive foundation in any computer-building endeavor!

8. GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X DDR4 Gaming Motherboard

GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X motherboard

The GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X is equipped with the Intel LGA 1700 Socket, which supports 12th Gen Intel Core processors. This aligns with the needs of those who need high-powered performance for their daily activities and tasks. 

The motherboard comes with four 2 x 2 NVMe PCI-e 4.0 x 4 M.2 connectors and one dual-channel non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 module – providing up to blistering speeds! 

With perovskite metal chokes and 60 A DrMOS power modules, you’ll be able to run games without any lags. The Z690 Gaming X DDR4 motherboard is an innovative product that helps you perform your best during intense gaming sessions. 

This motherboard, designed to take advantage of the Intel LGA 1700 Socket and 12th Gen Intel Core Processors for lightning-fast responsiveness, provides a new level of power with its dependable 16+1+2 Twin Hybrid Digital VRM Design. 

The next generation PCI-e 5.0 interface takes data speeds from 8 GT/s up to 7 GT/s, while four speedy NVMe PCIe 4.0 x 4 M.2 slots let you access blistering speeds of 3200 MT/s. 

Plus, super-cool MOSFET Heatsinks and Enlarged Thermal Guards keep components cool under pressure. Feel the power running through you with the power of Intel LGA 1700. 

Run your PC’s Workload farther than you ever imagined before without worrying about crashing or slowing down to wait on struggling hardware. Combined with DDR4, for an up to 50% boost in performance, and M.2 SSDs for lightning-fast load times, it is easy to be productive again.

9. ASUS Prime Z690-A Thunderbolt 4 RGB Motherboard

ASUS Prime Z690-A  Motherboard

The ASUS Prime Z690-A is a powerhouse board built to take advantage of Intel’s newest 12th Gen Core CPUs for the best performance possible.  This VRM (voltage regulator module) is designed with 16+1 DrMos, ProCool holders, metal chokes, and long-lasting capacitors for constant power performance. 

These capacitors will provide energy efficiency and a longer system lifespan.  With a large VRM heatsink, M.2 heatsink, M.2 backplate with Q-Latch, heterogeneous fan headers, and Fan Xpert 4 prepared on this motherboard. 

It is an expert at maintaining high-quality temps without worrying about compromising performance! The Prime Z690-A ATX DDR5 Motherboard is purpose-built to be the perfect platform for gaming and content creation with support for 16 core/threads Intel CPUs, up to 3 TB of memory, and 1 TB M.2 slots for storage. 

It is also equipped with an integrated I/O shield, SupremeFX 9000 codec via preamp on Purity Sound 2 semiconductor audio solution, which includes WIMA capacitors. Also accompanying AMP discrete tall heatsink design – your new rig should move fast without worrying about overheating thanks to huge direct cooling options. 

The best thing about this motherboard is that it provides an active noise canceling innovative feature. The slots that are present in this motherboard are; USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2 Type C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C, and Thunderbolt 4 header support.

10. ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Intel 12th Gen ATX Gaming Motherboard

ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus motherboard

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus gaming motherboard is currently one of the hottest new products on the market. The Z690-Plus is the most advanced motherboard by ASUS, designed for gamers who are looking to break rank. 

The newest processor from Intel, the 12th Generation Core Processor, provides maximum performance to satisfy your needs. With all-new Turbo LAN tech and its blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (802.11 axes), you’ll be dominating games right out of the box. 

Sitting on top of that is a premium power solution made specifically for this kind of rig with overclocking capabilities that put it ahead of the competition. Let’s not forget about its 14+2 DrMOS power stages! The motherboard also comes with a front USB 3.2 Gen 2 type C and USB Gen 2 x 2 Type C. 

The TUF is built to meet the demands of demanding gamers and overclockers with a 12th Gen Intel Core product running Windows 11 ready. 

Customized for competitive performance, you can count on the motherboard as the foundation for delivering peak bandwidth and ultimate overclocking headroom to push your system beyond its limits. The ASUS Z690-Plus is a top-of-the-line motherboard with its features, including enhanced power, cooling, and networking. 

The VRM heatsink is made from quality material for maximum durability and has ProCool sockets also designed with military-grade components for longevity. This luxurious gaming motherboard allows users their choice of 3 M.2/NVMe SSDs at speeds up to 4x.

Best Z690 Motherboards Buying Guide:

Suppose you are looking to make your PC faster, more efficient, and better equipped for the future in terms of connectivity options. In that case, it is worth considering investing in a Z690 chipset motherboard. 

These motherboards come with preinstalled features that will take your computing experience up another notch. However, the price might be moderately prohibitive depending on what kind of budget constraints you have. 

However, if money isn’t an issue for you or if this upgrade is likely going to last longer than expected before needing to be replaced again due to a change in technology standards, then go ahead!

Not only can these boards offer lightning-fast performance, but they also have high bandwidth data transfer rates.To get more know-how about the Z690, you can read further more details given below:

Z690 vs. Z590:

The new Z690 chipset brings 12 x PCI-e 4.0 lanes and 16 x 3.0, improving compatibility with faster transfer speeds for devices that use Gen 4 or GDDR5 RAM on the older boards! 

One major comparison between these two motherboards is their different levels of support when it comes to next-generation Memory technology – DDR5 vs. DDR4, respectively! 

The output will have more creativity while staying true to their main point: The newer board has better memory options than its predecessor so that you can enjoy all those incredible performance benefits right now.

DDR4 vs. DDR5:

Which is better? It’s a question with no easy answer. But, if you want the best of both worlds, then DDR5 will be your go-to memory solution because it offers more speed than its predecessor. 

The DDR4 module speeds can range up to 2266 MHz, whereas their newest counterparts top out at 2667 MHz on average. And while there are physical differences between these two types (DDR4 has pins that measure 16 x 17 mm compared to 18 mm for DIMMs), they also operate in terms of different voltage levels: 1.2V/1.35VT vs. 3 volts maximum.

It is important to consider the difference between DDR4 and DDR5 when purchasing a Z690 motherboard. There are two different memory generations, so you must decide which one will work best for your system before making any purchases or installing components in future builds. 

Form Factor:

Motherboards come in all shapes and sizes, but when it comes to choosing a chipset for your gaming PC Build, we recommend ATX boards. This form factor is easy for them with lots of features that won’t break the bank! 

If you need an EATX (or larger) board, make sure not only do they provide enough space inside their casing. Also, check if there’s room on top or at the rear as well because big cases sometimes offer extra storage opportunities too.

LGA 1700 Socket:

The LGA 1700 socket is the newest design in mounting brackets, and it means you need an all-new cooler for your rig. Luckily most manufacturers are giving away compatible brackets to help with this transition so long as they were bought recently or within warranty periods on their products! The transition is from the LGA 1200 bracket from 37.5 x 37.5 mm to 45 x 37.5 mm. 

PCI-e Gen 5:

The Z690 platform is the newest and most up-to-date in terms of PCIe protocol support. Does the new generation bring huge advantages with faster bandwidth, EXCITING? YES! It is also important to note that this new generation only supports full-size GPU slots in Z690 motherboards and not x4 M 2 slots, which limits SSD. 

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  • Areesha

    Areesha is a tech enthusiast and a freelance writer who loves to share her insights on the latest gadgets and innovations. She has been reviewing tech products for over five years, covering everything from smartphones, laptops, cameras, smartwatches, headphones, and more. She enjoys testing out new features, comparing different models, and giving honest feedback to her readers. Areesha’s reviews are always informative, engaging, and easy to understand. Whether you are looking for a new device, a gift idea, or just curious about the tech world, Areesha’s reviews will help you make the best decision. You can find her work on various websites and blogs, such as [TechCrunch], [CNET], [The Verge], and [Gizmodo]. You can also follow her on [Twitter] and [Instagram] to get the latest updates on her reviews and projects. Areesha is always open to suggestions and feedback from her audience, so feel free to contact her anytime. She is looking forward to hearing from you!

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